In the first half of the year, the Customs Area Command at Muritala Muhammed Area Command produced N80.3 billion.
Michael Awe, the MMAC’s Customs Area Controller, informed reporters in Lagos on Tuesday that the sum more than doubled the N38.7 billion in revenue earned during the first half of 2023.
According to him, the extra N41.6 billion difference signifies a 107.5% rise in earnings as compared to the same period in the previous year. Awe thanked Mr. Bashir Adeniyi, Comptroller-General of Customs, and his management group for helping to generate more income.
He claimed that the officers’ tenacity in making sure that agents submitted accurate declarations and their rigorous adherence to import/export regulations in conjunction with current legislation were what allowed for the difference seen in revenue collection.
Awe claimed that officials were actively implementing trade restrictions and government budgetary plans in the field of anti-smuggling.
“The Command made the following seizures of five packages of 250mg tramadol, 12 packages of 225mg tramadol, and one package of 50-round 9mm live ammunition.
“Other seizures include 46 packages of dried sea cucumbers, three packages of dried donkey male genitals, and 55 pieces of Jojef Tomahawk semi-automatic rifles.
The cumulative Duty Paid Value (DPV) of the aforementioned items stood at N6.06 billion.
“These items are seized mainly because of various forms of infractions which range from false declarations, non-adherence to import/export guidelines, and failure to comply with other extant regulations as enshrined in the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCS Act) 2023,” Awe said.
According to the head of MMIA customs, the command documented N266.6 million worth of exported products during the evaluation period, with a FOB value of $204.59 thousand. Regarding the command’s interactions with stakeholders, he clarified that it had instituted an open-door policy that had assisted in settling several matters of mutual concern with interested parties.
“Let me reiterate my call to our esteemed partners in the clearance value chain to always brace up to the emerging challenges as we work together to move the country forward,” he said.
Awe praised the Command’s officers for their commitment to the honorable goal of combating smugglers and reminded them to scrupulously abide by the rules of engagement when carrying out their official responsibilities.
He was grateful for the media’s unwavering support, the involvement of the real stakeholders, and the assistance of other security services.
